Acceptable+Use+Policy

Page created by: Shannon Ledig

An Acceptable Use Policy is a document created by a business, organization or educational facility that outlines acceptable and unacceptable use of the community network. This is a written agreement that all users of the network adhere to for the common good. Acceptable Use Policies outline what the organization deems acceptable network etiquette, the limits of network use, and sets privacy levels for users. The policy focuses on responsible use of networks, transfer of information, manages passwords, defines interpersonal etiquette, and monitors overuse and misuse of networks with consequences listed for non-compliance.
 * Definition:**

Acceptable Use Policies are especially important for schools to administer because of the impact improper use of school networks can have on children. AUP's for schools establish the guidelines for use of school networks for teachers, staff, parents and students so as not to expose network users to inappropriate language, pornography, and questionable influences. A school's AUP should have good filtering technology, limit access to inappropriate material, monitor chat rooms, e-mail and other electronic communications, disallow unauthorized access to networks, disallow unauthorized disclosure of personal information, and monitor all general online activities by users. The AUP lets students and administrators know what the rules are and the consequences for not following the AUP. Acceptable Use Policies should be signed by students and their parents denoting that they understand the policy and promise to adhere to the rules of the policy and accept the consequences of non-compliance to the policy. Teachers and staff are also required to sign the policy and adhere to it.
 * Impact on Professional Educators:**

1) BASCOM BASCOM Technology for Education is a website for a company that focuses on providing software to schools that focuses on internet safety. The site defines and helps educators understand the importance of Acceptable Use Policies in schools and provides them with the tools to get started in protecting not just their school networks but also their teachers, staff, and students. This site is useful for educators because the information contained within it and the services provided through it are designed specifically for the needs of schools.
 * Annotated Web-Based Resources:**

2) Creating an Acceptable Use Policy for a School CommtecLab of Michigan State University is a module that outlines why a school should implement an Acceptable Use Policy and guides educators on how to develop their policy. This site offers a step-by-step process to developing an Acceptable Use Policy and offers many resources for getting started on setting up and implementing an AUP within a school.

3) Implementing an AUP The Landmark Project developed this website to help teachers, educators, and school media specialist design, monitor and enforce the policies designated in an Acceptable Use Policy. The site outlines what they call the Five Layers of the AUP Recipe to assist in the development of an AUP. Samples and examples of AUP's that have been implemented by other schools are available to view and sue as a guideline.